Celtic Thunder’s stunning ode to hope and resilience features Paul Byrom bringing Irish soul to ‘You Raise Me Up’

It’s been a difficult year. It began in March, and within a few months, many had lost jobs, money, chances, and loved ones. However, there is a positive aspect to the pandemic situation.

People came together in hope and love, no matter how difficult it seemed. Men and women from all across the world pitched in to help others get ahead.

So, here’s to the selfless heroes.

You are familiar with the song “You Raise Me Up.” It was popularized by the incredible Josh Groban, although it was written by a Norwegian-Irish duo named Secret Garden. This song has Irish roots.

It’s an upbeat tune. The message is loud and clear. We need others. When we go into difficulty, we need someone to come and get us. Some people utilize this song to enhance their faith. Some people dedicate it to a friend or loved one. Take your selection.

Return to the Irish.

Celtic Thunder is, you got it, an Irish ensemble famed for their singing and dramatic performances. The initial group was formed in 2007, and members have come and gone since then. But they still put on fantastic concerts.

Here they are with Paul Byrom on vocals, performing the tune. He’s one of Ireland’s best crossover tenors. The Dublin-born vocalist has been performing in theater, opera, and several other shows for the past 25 years.

Listen to Paul.

The audience cheers as he enters the stage, the pianist already striking keys. The stage is characteristic of Celtic Thunder, with traces of an Irish countryside and greens and blues throughout. Paul starts singing.

He sings it differently.

We’re all familiar with Josh Groban’s rendition. His strong and seemingly limitless range of tenor-baritone style unleashes the phrases one after another. Paul here has a deeper, huskier tone. A little more romantic. Dramatic.

And, as if to emphasize the song’s Irish heritage, a guy plays Irish-style bagpipes and a couple of violins after Paul sings a portion. Here’s how Celtic Thunder performs. Visual effects, dramatic set pieces, and an abundance of Irish-style decorations.